Reviews

This is the second book in the Breathless Trilogy. The series is set around three 38yo Millionaire hoteliers. They’re best read in order - while each book focuses on one couple, there are storylines that span the series. This is best if you enjoy over the top controlling, alpha male paired with a without-means submissive woman.

There’s some pretty big plot holes in this one that Banks just runs over with no explanation. The biggest is the set up and it makes it hard to get into the story after that. Bethany is homeless. No car, living on the streets, no food for days, clothing falling apart homeless. But she’s supposedly working a huge catering gig at a high end hotel. Most hotels have their own staff for events. Luxury hotels have strict standards for dress & appearance. I can’t get over that there’s no way Bethany would be at this event as staff.

If I set that aside, Jace is a completely different character than he was in book 1. He went from sweet, protective older brother and fun loving business partner to raging, over-the-top, controlling jerk. I’m all for Pretty Woman/Cinderella, rich guy makes poor girl’s dreams come true. However, Jace just wanted to control every aspect of Bethany’s life and have sex all the time. I didn’t feel any *romance* here.

Bethany started off as one of Jace & Ash’s threesomes. Which didn’t bother me. But it definitely bothered Jace and he made everyone else pay for it with his attitude and spite. It wasn’t sexy possessiveness, it felt like cruel punishment. Especially given that Bethany is on such unequal footing given her lack of means/options.

While Jace came around at the end, it felt too easy and no different than many other apologies he gave throughout the book. There wasn’t really anything to solidify that he’d be better to Bethany in a week. Especially since the book only spanned a few weeks total. I did like how things were resolved with Bethany’s foster brother.

Banks’ writing was even more repetitive here than in the first book - a big factor in why this one was an hour and a half longer than Rush. Could have cut out at least 3 hours by not having internal dialogues and conversations belaboring points.

Narration:
I was OK with Adam Paul’s narration. He gives Gabe, Jace, & Ash unique voices that are consistent through the whole series.

ktcantread's review against another edition

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Did not finish.

courtsbooknook's review against another edition

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emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

I actually liked Jace and Bethany's story way more than I thought. I also liked it better than book one. This did have a little bit more of a plot and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop even with Bethany's struggles and more traumatic past. I think they worked quite well together and I also liked the dominant/submissive aspects of their relationship. I also liked seeing how happy Gabe and Mia were now after reading their story. This was a quick read that didn't require a lot of thought and I was here for it. The spice in this one hit for sure, and I was not disappointed. I'm excited to see Ash get his chance at love and I think the conclusion will be a solid one. So far, I like this installment the best.

jenngummo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

brittneyfike's review against another edition

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3.0

Another spicy

ojeda87's review against another edition

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1.0

I really dislike relationships in which a partner is very controlling. I liked that the plot was rather different and that the heroine was literally rags to riches, but it made me uneasy. Even though the characters male character is all "you don't owe me anything, you have all of this because I love you," the female protagonist still seems to "owe him" for dragging her out of bad situations. The male protagonist and all of his friends make it clear that he is only controlling (to the level of psychological and emotional abuse) because he cares so much about her. I don't buy this. I think that there are people who understand or identify with this mindset, this will probably be an enjoyable read for you.

nero1279's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

🎧AUDIO VERSION🎧⭐️⭐️⭐️& half /5 performance by Adam Paul

Written in 3rd POV. Stronger male character voices in this instalment which helped.

ARTICULATION - clean, clear, precise

BREATHING – controlled, volume, consistent, project appropriate, relatively low mouth noise

DELIVERY – solid and in the spirit of the text and author’s intent. Timing and pacing is appropriate. Varied and not too predictable.

EYE BRAIN MOUTH CONTROL – accurate and effortless delivery.

CONSISTENT – high energy, good articulation, breath and pitch control

ANALYSIS – understands the story arc and characters.

CHARACTERISATION – attempts to bring to life. Distinct and majorly consistent in tone, attitude, age, accent. Voices match characters quite well. Although a character change is evident for the main male from book 1 to book 2.

SEPARATION- some spillover is evident between narration and character, which can be a little disconcerting.

INVESTMENT – the emotional connection is not as visual as it could be but better than the first book.

STORYLINE. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ but a little predictable

Some massive reviews on this book with a lot to stay from the good, bad and ugly. If you liked the first one then this one was a good follow up. Plot was very predictable however, but you are not reading these books for the plot 🤔🤣, are you?

If BDSM is your thing, then give this one a go. Jace and Bethany, a tad far fetched in the where from to where to, but a good Cinderella rendition nonetheless. You still get to met Mia and Gabe and can totally see where the story is going head next. Bring on Ash.

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